United Pallet Network (UPN)

United Pallet Network: palletised freight distribution across the UK, Ireland and Europe

United Pallet Network, commonly known as UPN, is a palletised freight delivery network established in 2001. The company describes itself as having provided first class transport for palletised freight for over twenty years, and its site presents it as a network that leads the sector. Its activity centres on consolidating palletised consignments and moving them through a national structure of independent member depots, with onward distribution to Ireland and European destinations.

How the hub and spoke model works

UPN operates what it describes as a simple and effective hub and spoke distribution system built specifically for palletised freight. The model links a national network of more than 100 member depots that collect and deliver freight daily across the UK and Europe. Local collection and delivery is handled by these independent depots, while a wider network covers national and international distribution. The company states that freight is collected and delivered every day across the UK and Europe.

According to the site, the network handles both single-pallet consignments and larger palletised shipments: a local member depot can collect the freight and route it through the network to its destination. UPN draws a distinction between a pallet network, designed for larger or heavier goods secured to pallets, and courier services, which generally specialise in smaller parcels.

Delivery services and options

The company states that it offers the widest range of services available for palletised freight, with flexibility for service users to specify from a range of options. Its UK pallet delivery services include next-day, economy, timed and specialist options. Specifically, the site lists Priority 24-hour and Standard 48-hour services, alongside timed, pre-noon, pre-10am, tail-lift, booked and oversized delivery options.

• UK services through the hub and spoke network
• Ireland services for palletised freight
• European services delivered with selected high quality European service partners
• Priority 24-hour and Standard 48-hour services
• Timed, pre-noon and pre-10am delivery options
• Tail-lift, booked and oversized delivery options

Tracking and in-house logistics IT

UPN develops its own IT systems in-house and provides support for them. The company states that these systems give complete transparency of all freight, tracking every pallet and consignment from collection point to delivery destination. Instant proof of delivery is available through real-time live signature capture, and customers can follow a consignment's progress and access electronic proof of delivery once it reaches its destination. The site names SmartTRAK as part of its tracking technology and also offers a Podtracker search by consignment number and postcode.

Carbon neutral deliveries and sustainability

Sustainability is presented as part of how UPN operates day to day. The company states that, from April 2024, it committed to 100% carbon neutral delivery, a move it describes as a first for the sector, verified by Carbon Neutral Britain. Every UPN shipment is automatically offset through Carbon Neutral Britain at no extra cost to customers, according to the site. UPN also refers to measurable progress already made on emissions and to a long-term sustainability strategy guiding future decisions.

Service quality and the member network

UPN states that everyone working within the network is committed to what it calls Service Quality Excellence, and that all management and partner members have formally signed up to a Partnership Charter commitment, under which participants are accountable nationally and regionally for driving service quality. The company presents its people as its differentiator, emphasising flexibility and accessibility, and highlights collaboration among members as a driver of its success.

Support for shipping between the UK and Europe

Beyond transport itself, UPN provides support resources for logistics needs. These include IT support, business resources such as news, the Despatch magazine and a video library, and guidance on the rules for shipping between the UK and European countries, including factors to check and action after Brexit when shipping across the Irish Sea and with Europe. The company also notes that its nationwide membership provides job opportunities across a range of career avenues for people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds.